Let’s Talk High vs Low Cut Cycling Socks

It might seem like a minor topic, but this month were discussing cycling socks and want you to help build up this post by letting us know your thoughts, comments, and opinions on high cut and low cut socks.

Have a look at this quick little video going over this month’s “Let’s Talk” topic, or just skip on down to the comments section and tell us what’s on your mind. Which ones make a better fashion statement? Which ones do you prefer and why? Are there unknown benefits to high cut socks? Maybe you don’t even wear socks at all while cycling. Give us all you’ve got….this post will be built up by you.

23 Responses to “ Let’s Talk High vs Low Cut Cycling Socks ”

Kennan on August 28, 2014 at 2:55 pm

I wear only low cut socks, the kind with the 2″ cuff NOT the “bottie” ankle socks. My fear is that fashion dictates what is manufactured and that low cut sock will go the way of the Dino’s. I think the higher golf style is in very poor taste.

Here’s a question for all of you cycling gurus out there….. I’m buying my first pair of clipless pedals & shoes, and I am assuming I should buy some “cycling” socks, yeah? In general, I’d rather be barefoot or wearing sandals, and therefore am a little picky about my closed shoes and socks. I wear ultra low cut, very thin socks with my normal shoes…. SO, any recommendations for a really thin, low cut cycling sock? I know they’re just socks and it probably doesn’t matter that much… but hey, I’m picky

a lot of times when you see “knee high” socks now they’re compression socks, obviously being worn for performance/recovery benefits. I’m definitely a low socks person. But I have wondered why most of the really fast racing cyclists always wear high cut socks??

A topic close to my heart.
I am loving wearing some of ‘Icebreaker’ brand merino socks. Because they are warm and comfortble in a variety of weather conditions. BUT…. they only come in low cut style!
I prefer a high cut sock, particularly in winter. (which is now in NZ)
I prefer high cut socks because they keep the articulating part of my ankles warm.
I have tried high cut merino running socks but they have too much ‘loft’ in the soles and are not comfortable for cycling.

I like medium high dry fit socks (White), I feel funny in the low socks that you can’t see. I don’t like the real high tube sock either. Mine come just up to just below the calf. My questions is white socks -vs- black socks?? Difference?? Sometimes I like to wear the black dry fit socks and my kids say I look like a OLD MAN/nerd when I wear them. I say well, I’m not that young either.

Socks are tools, there is no right or wrong…high-cut vs low-cus it’s just a matter of personal choice. The only reason I wear socks when I ride is for protection. I usually wear a low-cut dry-fit sock to whisk moisture away and prevent blisters. In the winter I wear a wool sock and wind/water-proof boot. I have a pair of knee high socks for when I ride singletrack…bushes, bugs and branches bad for bare legs (no way this kid wears pants when the mercury rises above 60). Of course my teva’s serve me well wich means no socks at all.

I also believe in the multi-purpose sock, which means I don’t have cycling socks. I’ll also use the dryfit, wool and knee-highs for other activities. I like to hike, rock-climb, hunt, fish, play softball, football, basketball (most things with a ball), golf, walk & thanks to riding my bicycle, I am looking forward to skiing again. I’d go broke buying socks specifically labeled for each sport. I believe your feet’s needs are identical for any non-swimming sport, that is dry & comfortable…I usually buy my socks at an outdoor wear retailer. Sock shopping is also a wonderful reason to ride…

I definitely prefer low cut socks. Although Charles will probably get a chuckle when I’m admit that I AM a runner. Quite a number of runners are wearing the knee socks now too, but it smacks too much of the tube sock look of the 70s-80s for me.

Nice legs rasta boy. Any one tell you you look like Levi? Short socks are for runners and chicks. Longer socks are for men. I have both but unlike you I don’t wear both at the same time. Since I am over 50 I may even like knee high. I have some road id socks. They were cheap but the longer ones look better with the road id jersey and bib. The graphics are more visible. That’s right I look like Bob Roll.

My question is other than juice, can you suggest modifications in lieu of table sugar for energy and hydration.

Answer:

Both raw/organic honey or agave can work great in the homebrew (substitute in the same quantities for the sugar, or to taste), but you do have to shake well in order to make sure they don’t settle out. Have you tried either of these? Also, make sure to use at least the minimum amount of salt recommended in the homebrew as the temps rise, you need the sodium replacement if you’re sweating.